Wondering if the Ram 1500 RHO is right for you? This overview will cover all you need to know. The 2026 Ram 1500 RHO is Ram’s new high-output off-road trim, bringing power into a package aimed at desert and trail enthusiasts. With a 540-hp twin-turbo inline-six leading the way, this trim combines strong towing ability, rugged off-road gear, and modern truck tech — all within the half-ton segment.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Ram 1500 RHO starts around $72,485 for the 4×4 Crew Cab with a 5′7″ box.
- It is powered by a 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six (the Hurricane HO I6) producing 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque.
- Four-wheel drive, an 8-speed automatic, and a stout 3.92 rear-axle ratio support its performance.
- What’s impressive: a towing capacity of up to 10,000 lbs in this top-output configuration, making it capable even among trucks more focused on off-road flair.
- Fuel economy estimates are modest for RHO: the combined figure is around 17 mpg for the high-output 3.0L Ram 1500 trims.
What does the 2026 Ram 1500 RHO offer under the hood?
Right away, the RHO trim sets itself apart with the Hurricane HO twin-turbo inline-six engine. This high-output version delivers 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque through a 3.0L displacement, which is a major step up from the standard I6 offerings. It uses an 8-speed automatic transmission and includes a 3.92 rear axle ratio that balances performance and towing ability. On pavement it has strong passing power; off-road its drivetrain is built for rugged terrain.
In its high-output configuration, it can tow up to about 10,000 pounds. That’s impressive for a trim that also wants to do off-road work, because many trucks with similar power invest less in terrain capability. It also includes four-wheel drive as standard, which helps when pulling heavy loads on less than ideal ground. Ground clearance and off-road gear aren’t fully detailed in the reliable sources yet, but the drivetrain shows Ram intends RHO to be both tough and usable.
What about fuel economy and range on the Ram 1500 RHO?
Realistically, powerful trucks like RHO pay for performance with fuel. The EPA estimate for the high-output 3.0L versions of the 2026 Ram 1500 is about 17 mpg combined. That means longer fuel stops if you tow or drive aggressively, especially off-road. But for many buyers, that’s an acceptable trade-off for the power and capability gained.
What you pay and availability: Ram 1500 RHO
Expect to start around $72,485 for the 2026 Ram 1500 RHO 4×4 Crew Cab, 5′7″ bed configuration. That makes RHO one of the more premium trims of the Ram 1500 range, aimed at buyers who want performance and off-road capability without stepping all the way up into TRX-level pricing. Inventory will likely be limited early, given newness and demand for high-output trucks.
Summary
The 2026 Ram 1500 RHO delivers a compelling mix: serious horsepower, capable towing, and off-road ready features — all wrapped in a truck that’s more daily-drivable than versions like the TRX. With a 540-hp twin-turbo inline-six, 10,000 lb towing, and a starting price in the low $70Ks, it’s a strong offering for buyers seeking a performance off-road half-ton. Come see our Ram inventory at Thunder CDJR.